TED Business
TED
Whatever your business conundrum, there’s a TED Talk for that—whether you want to learn how to land that promotion, set smart goals, undo injustice at work, or unlock the next big innovation. Every Monday, host Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School presents the most powerful and surprising ideas that illuminate the business world. After the talk, you'll get a mini-lesson from Modupe on how to apply the ideas in your own life. Because business evolves every day, and our ideas about it should, too.Follow Modupe on Instagram @mnakinola and LinkedIn @mnakinolaInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 6, 2025 • 16min
How to get people to do what you want | Barry Sonnenfeld
Barry Sonnenfeld, renowned director of hits like Men in Black and The Addams Family, shares insights from his impressive 40-year career. He discusses how embracing pessimism helps enhance creativity and the art of subtle comedy. Sonnenfeld emphasizes the importance of punctuality and advises against traditional career paths. He recounts playful strategies to handle bullies and advocates for clear communication in decision-making. Through humor and wisdom, he illustrates the power of adaptability in filmmaking and life.
16 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 16min
Why good people become bad bosses | Jamie Woolf and Christopher Bell
In this insightful discussion, leadership experts Jamie Woolf and Christopher Bell explore why even good people can morph into bad bosses. Jamie, renowned for her work on power dynamics, shares her personal journey of realizing her shortcomings as a manager. Christopher tackles the concept of power blindness, illustrating how authority distorts perceptions and silences feedback. Together, they offer practical strategies for nurturing vulnerable leadership and actionable self-reflection exercises to help prevent toxic behaviors in the workplace.
23 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 19min
The most powerful predictor of team success | Rafael Chiuzi
Rafael Chiuzi, an organizational psychologist and TEDx speaker, dives into the concept of psychological safety in teams. He discusses how childhood fears of speaking up can resurface in the workplace, stifling creativity and communication. Chiuzi outlines three actionable steps to create an environment where curiosity thrives: leadership role-modeling, monitoring silence signals in meetings, and fostering safety in personal lives too. With real-world examples from Chernobyl and Boeing, he makes a compelling case for breaking the silence barrier.
Sep 15, 2025 • 22min
A story of moral imagination and bold entrepreneurship | Sitoyo Lopokoiyit in conversation with Jacqueline Novogratz
Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-PESA, and Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen, dive into the transformative power of moral imagination in entrepreneurship. They discuss how M-PESA became a fintech giant, handling a vast portion of Kenya’s GDP and promoting financial inclusion. Their conversation highlights the importance of empathy and ethical decision-making, illustrating how innovative platforms can uplift underserved communities. They also touch on integrating technology with local needs, emphasizing the role of social entrepreneurship in creating sustainable success.
9 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 13min
Forget hustle culture. Behold the Artist Corporation | Yancey Strickler
Yancey Strickler, cofounder of Kickstarter, shares his innovative vision for the Artist Corporation (A-Corp), a new economic model for creatives. He discusses how artists can collectively own their work and share profits, moving away from hustle culture and financial instability. Strickler challenges traditional corporate structures and explores how artist-owned collectives could reshape the entertainment landscape. He also addresses the impact of AI on creative work, advocating for a future where artists are empowered entrepreneurs rather than mere cogs in a corporate machine.
6 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 19min
Quick Fixes: How to level up, job craft, and manage colleagues you can’t stand | Fixable
This discussion tackles various workplace dilemmas, offering quick solutions for growth and interpersonal issues. Listeners learn effective strategies for scaling small businesses and navigating role changes. Insights on job crafting help employees communicate their needs better, while tips on managing difficult colleagues aim to improve team dynamics. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding customer feedback and fostering a positive work culture.
Aug 25, 2025 • 9min
The trillion dollar paradox | George Zaidan
George Zaidan, who previously gave a TED-Ed lesson on the trillion dollar paradox, dives into the pressing costs of global warming. He discusses how ignoring the climate crisis can be tempting but emphasizes the financial burdens of inaction. Zaidan also examines the economics of investing in clean energy, arguing that initial costs are minor compared to the long-term savings from transitioning to renewables. He makes a compelling case for immediate action and the importance of reshaping public narratives to spur climate change awareness.
10 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 10min
Let your ambition light you up, not burn you out | Tarveen Forrester
Tarveen Forrester, who oversees workplace culture at Kickstarter, shares her insights on preventing burnout while pursuing success. She emphasizes the need for setting healthy boundaries to cultivate sustainable ambition. Listeners learn practical strategies for balancing productivity with personal well-being. Forrester discusses the importance of recognizing non-negotiables and effectively communicating limits to achieve goals without compromising on peace. Tune in for inspiration on how to thrive in your professional life without sacrificing your health.
8 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 18min
The delicious potential of rescuing wasted food | Jasmine Crowe-Houston
Social entrepreneur Jasmine Crowe-Houston, founder of Goodr, joins journalist Manoush Zomorodi to discuss innovative strategies for tackling food waste. Jasmine shares how her platform reroutes surplus food to those in need, transforming the way we view hunger as a distribution problem. They explore alarming food waste statistics and highlight initiatives like pop-up restaurants that support underserved communities. Their conversation inspires listeners to engage in collective action, emphasizing the dignity of those receiving aid and the environmental benefits of reducing waste.
15 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 14min
The future isn't just coded — it's built | Lauren Dunford
Lauren Dunford, a passionate factory fixer, sheds light on the often-overlooked world of manufacturing. She argues that reinventing the industry is key to building a sustainable future. Dunford shares how manufacturing shapes our lives, especially highlighted during crises like the COVID pandemic. She inspires a new generation to embrace manufacturing as a transformative career path, emphasizing its artistic value and potential for innovation. The discussion challenges biases, calling for a reevaluation of the industry's role in our economy and environment.
